For the first time in 6 years, a collective of representatives from the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) destination (comprising the tourism regions of Capricorn, Gladstone, and Bundaberg) are hitting the road for an exciting five-day, three-city trade mission, providing an opportunity for Australian travel professionals to reconnect, establish and build strong knowledge and relationships with our beautiful section of the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
In the wake of COVID-19, it was expected to take two or more years for international visitation to return to ‘normal’. With international borders now reopen and bearing minimal restriction, it is essential to keep the destination front of mind for new and existing trade partners.
Representatives from the three SGBR regions (Capricorn, Gladstone and Bundaberg) will be joined by nine SGBR tourism operators including Lady Musgrave Experience, Macadamias Australia, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Queensland Rail, 1770 LARC! Tours, Central Apartment Group, Heron Island/Wilson Island and Mantra Gladstone.
The mission will kick off in Brisbane on Monday 20th March with a standalone Southern Great Barrier Reef event inviting tourism buyers for a day of business appointments which will conclude with a networking function.
Offering opportunities for interactive, face-to-face discussions involving the destination’s latest information and product developments, as well as exploring future marketing and promotional opportunities aimed at highlighting the broad diversity on offer throughout the region, the SGBR Regional Tourism Organisation staff and operators look forward to sharing their knowledge and building relationships with a wide range of trade buyers and industry stakeholders.
Heading further south to Sydney, the Southern Great Barrier Reef roadshow will partner with the Australian Tourism Export Council, joining their Explore Australia’s East Coast Trade Engagement Event, which will incorporate a series of events in structured, yet relaxed settings incorporating a B2B (Business to Business) workshop, pitch sessions, sales appointments, and networking events, which are expected to increase awareness of the SGBR and develop long term, sustainable business relationships.
Wrapping up in Sydney, the roadshow will then complete it’s final leg in Melbourne with a day of sales appointments with leading tourism buyers.
SGBR Trade and Industry Development Executive, Loni Hammond is keen to get the show on the road, ready to create a buzz about the new and existing tourism experiences on offer to key distribution partners.
“The Southern Great Barrier Reef is full of natural beauty and splendour, offering top-class landscapes and products that are truly second to none,” Loni said.
“With Tourism Research Australia data showing a three-year growth trend of visitors by 3.5%, the Southern Great Barrier Reef remains as one of the best performing destinations in Queensland and continues to sit front of mind as one of the top holiday spots for Australian holiday makers.”
“Our aim over the five days in March is to truly showcase our chain of tropical islands atop Australia’s greatest natural wonder, through to the sapphire-rich Gemfields, sandstone wilderness, and the open spaces and endless possibilities in between,” Loni said.
To purchase tickets to the Brisbane event, click here.
The 2023 Roadshow has been made possible through a successful Austrade Export Marketing Development Grant, together with industry contribution.
Following this event, the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination will again be on show at the Australian Tourism Exchange in May on the Gold Coast.
